Pahh Continues Chain Of Good Work

Eric Hilgendorf's family of seven is moving this week into the 12th house built by the Payson Area Habitat for Humanity.

The home was dedicated in a special ceremony Sunday afternoon.

Teresa McQuerrey/Roundup

The Hilgendorf family was joined by family, friends and the people
who make the Payson Area Habitat for Humanity possible in the
dedication of their new home on West Bulla Drive. The family, Eric,
Jaimee, Gabriel, 1; Gennica, 7; Benito, 8-1/2; Vellissa, 5; and
Jaelyn, 3; are moving into the four-bedroom house this week.

"A lady saw me at a yard sale with my kids and told me about Habitat for Humanity," Jaimee Hilgendorf said, explaining what led her to first apply to the program.

She went to the Habitat office at 1013 S. Goodfellow Road and put her name on a list, then she was mailed an application.

The family was selected in April 2003 as PAHH's partner for the program's 12th house. However, construction did not start until 2005, with a groundbreaking ceremony in April.

"We helped build houses 10 and 11 from the ground up," Jaimee said. "And we have been involved in every aspect of our house's construction."

Partners in PAHH homes are required to contribute 300 to 500 hours in sweat equity (300 from single parents and 500 from couples). The Hilgendorfs, their family and friends contributed more than 700 hours to the construction of their home.

"Tom Herbolsheimer was our head of construction, and he did a wonderful job," Jaimee said.

The family was presented with a number of housewarming gifts at the dedication, including quilts made by members of the Pine Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Construction of the Hilgendorf home was assisted by a $50,000 grant from the Arizona Community Foundation, a $5,000 grant from the Holbrook Pyle Foundation and other financial contributions, along with the work of more than 120 volunteers and 72 in-kind contributors.

"I am in awe right now," Jaimee said as the dedication ceremony wound down Sunday. "I am overwhelmed with excitement."